November 26, 2013

Highlighted in the American Banker: Popular to Launch Financial Literacy Partnership with Operation HOPE

Popular Community Bank plans to bring a financial literary program run by nonprofit Operation HOPE to its branches in Harlem and the Bronx.

Popular Community Bank, a division of Popular (BPOP) in San Juan, Puerto Rico, has committed $150,000 to establish the financial education program, according to the company's Thursday press release. The program is part of the nonprofit's HOPE Inside initiative, which offers financial counseling to community members in everyday, high-traffic locations including banks, retail stores and supermarkets.

Popular Community Bank's president, Carlos Vázquez, is a director of HOPE's board, according to the release. The bank has also partnered with HOPE on youth outreach initiatives including financial education course, Banking on Our Future, and entrepreneurial program, Business in a Box.

Popular Community Bank has 91 branches in New York, New Jersey, Illinois, Florida and California. Its holding company has $36 billion of assets.

SunTrust Banks is also a major partner for and around the national HOPE Inside model.